Erick had made numerous mistakes and caused scandals, leading Jorge to demote him from a key management position within the company. Talon and Genesis were now hoping Carole could convince Brisa to reinstate Erick in a management role.

Carole’s silence was a clear response to Genesis’ inquiry.

Grabbing Carole by the hair, Genesis said sharply, “Carole, we didn’t bring you back for leisure! Know your place!”

Carole felt a sharp pain in her scalp but held back her cries. As she grimaced in hatred, Genesis added, “You wouldn’t want others to know about your assault, would you?”

“How… how do you know?” Carole asked, shocked and terrified. “Did Erick tell you? Is that it?”

“Well, there’s something we’d like you to see.” Genesis loosened her grip on Carole and showed her photos on her phone. “We paid a lot for these. I hope you prove to be worth all the money we’ve invested in you!”

The photos showed Carole lying naked on the ground, her pale face and bruised body illuminated in dim light. The bruises on her body told their own painful story.

At the sight, Carole went pale, staggered, and eventually collapsed to the floor.

Ellie’s morning sickness had been severe, causing her to lose considerable weight. Both the chef and the doctor grew increasingly worried whenever they saw Kaiden.

Just after Ellie finished vomiting, her phone rang.

“Ellie, the Thorpes are hosting a dinner party tomorrow night. You and Kaiden should return to the Thorpes’ house then,” a familiar voice said.

Suppressing her nausea, Ellie replied, “Carole, you shouldn’t be the one calling me.”

Carole pretended not to understand Ellie’s sarcasm. “It’s about Brisa’s life. I believe you and Kaiden will return, even with me here!”

Ellie passed Carole’s message to Kaiden.

Kaiden scowled and responded, “I’m not a doctor or a bone marrow donor. Why should I return?”

For a moment, Ellie thought he had a point. They had both agreed not to go back, but later that evening, Brisa called Ellie directly.

“Ellie, when will you and Kaiden be back tomorrow?” Brisa’s voice was faint and expectant over the phone. “We already have plans for tomorrow.”

“Did I upset you? I tried calling Kaiden, but he didn’t pick up.” Brisa asked nervously, “You and Kaiden haven’t visited me in a while. Is it because I’m sick that you don’t want to see me?”

It wasn’t about whether they wanted to see Brisa or not. However, Brisa sometimes struggled with her mental health, so her words weren’t surprising. Instead, they made Ellie feel guilty and sympathetic.

“No, we really can’t make it,” Ellie fibbed. “We only found out this afternoon.”

Brisa stayed quiet, but the silence over the phone was heartbreaking.

Ellie sighed and asked, “Is it you who wants us back, or someone else?”

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